Des Moines has its annual Oktoberkest DSM event downtown beginning September 26. $7 or $10 at the door. The usual wursts and schnitzels are served with along with Hofbrau, Paulaner, Leinenkugel, and Hacker-Pschorr beer brands.

If you want to get the most use out of your dirndl and lederhosen, come to Omaha. There are four major Oktoberfest events on each weekend in September and a few smaller events, beginning today (9/6/13).

9/6/13: Gerda’s Oktoberfest begins this weekend. This tends to be the smallest of the major events, but strikes a good balance between the family-friendly crowd and the party-hardy crowd. The food here is excellent.

9/13/13:Lucky Bucket Oktoberfest is new this year and one night only. It’s hard to find much information, but there will be food and a polka band. Don’t expect the usual German beer brands; Lucky Bucket is a brewery, after all.

9/18/13: German American Society is next. This is a traditional Oktoberfest in a great building and caters well to families. There are multiple bars, beer tents, and food stations throughout the sprawling indoor/outdoor complex. You can polka with the crowds in the great hall, or find a quiet table in the basement bar. The German chocolate cake is worth the entry fee.

9/25/13: Crescent Moon – Huber Haus Oktoberfest is the classic capstone to the season and usually a standing-room-only weekend-long party. The food is excellent and the German beer selection is unparalleled: Hofbrau, Spaten, Warsteiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Weihenstephaner.